The Napoli youngster has been included in the full Italy squad for the first time at the expense of the Inter forward.

“I’m not like Antonio,” the Under-21 international stated from the Azzurri’sCoverciano training base on Monday. “He is a champion, while I am a young player who has it all to prove.

“He’s a really strong player, but I don’t aspire to be like him. I look up to [Juventus idol] Del Piero. As a kid I watched all of his goals and I’d love to ‘steal’ his curling shots.”

Insigne caught the eye in Italy last season during a loan spell with Pescara in Serie B under the tutelage of ZdenekZeman. He then returned to parent club Napoli.

“I think I did well with Zeman last year and then again with Napoli in pre-season. If I’m here then I will have to thank Napoli boss Walter Mazzarri.

“They are two very different Coaches as you can see from the style of their teams. I was used more as a wide attacker by Zeman, but with Mazzarri I’m fielded as a second striker.

“I spoke with Napoli before pre-season. I knew that I would be on trial in the sense that I didn’t know whether I would remain. I worked hard every day in the hope that I would realise my dream of staying.”